N. P. v. Lago Vista — 5th Cir. (argued August 31, 2026)
The Fifth Circuit hears N. P. versus Lago Vista Independent School District. N. P., a student with disabilities, challenges a proposed special-education plan. The plan would move some instruction into a separate, functional academics classroom. A federal district judge ruled for the school district. The appeal concerns whether N. P. received appropriate support and whether the proposed classroom placement satisfies federal law.
N. P. v. Lago Vista (No. 25-50521) — U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, argued August 31, 2026.
Sources
Argument audio — Fifth Circuit:https://www.ca5.uscourts.gov/OralArgRecordings/25/25-50521_08-31-2026.mp3
Case, counsel and argument date — Fifth Circuit:https://www.ca5.uscourts.gov/oral-argument-recordings/results?docket=25-50521
Appealed district ruling — March 20, 2025, pp. 1–4, 7–18:https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCOURTS-txwd-1_24-cv-00457/pdf/USCOURTS-txwd-1_24-cv-00457-0.pdf
Appeal and counsel — Fifth Circuit docket:https://dockets.justia.com/docket/circuit-courts/ca5/25-50521
Meredith Walker — current firm biography:https://walshgallegos.com/people-with-purpose/meredith-prykryl-walker
Walsh Gallegos corroboration — filed petition, counsel page ii:https://www.texaspolicy.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/TPPF-v-HPISD-Petition-for-Review.pdf
Individualized education programs — 20 U.S.C. § 1414(d):https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/20/1414
Least restrictive environment — 20 U.S.C. § 1412(a)(5):https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/20/1412
Fifth Circuit framework — H. W. v. Comal, pp. 2–3, 11–13, 22–24:https://www.ca5.uscourts.gov/opinions/pub/21/21-50838-CV0.pdf
ARD committees and IEPs — Texas Education Agency:https://spedsupport.tea.texas.gov/resource-library/ard-supports
- 0:00Introduction
- 1:13Advocate — Yvonnilda Muniz
- 4:39Special-education terms and placement
- 17:13Advocate — Meredith Walker